Rangers SS Corey Seager Leaves Guardians Game with Back Discomfort
Ayomide AdeduyiteTue, June 30, 2026 at 11:08 PM UTC·2 min readThe Texas Rangers were looking to extend their six-game winning streak on Tuesday when they resumed their series against the Cleveland Guardians. After a four-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays and Monday’s impressive 6-3 victory at Progressive Field, Texas improved to 43-42 and remained atop the American League West, with ace Jacob deGrom scheduled to take the mound as they chase another key win.
Corey Seager remains one of the Rangers’ most important players this season, despite having a down year. Entering Tuesday, the five-time All-Star was batting .182 with 34 hits, 10 homers, 25 RBIs and 28 runs scored in 50 games this season.
Seager was originally listed as the club’s No. 3 hitter in Tuesday’s starting lineup, but in a surprising late change, rookie Cameron Cauley came to the plate in his spot during a pinch-hit situation, signaling that Seager had been removed before first pitch.
The Rangers later announced that Seager left the game due to back discomfort (h/t Evan Grant of Dallas Morning News).
Any long term absence for Seager would be a significant concern for Texas. Since signing his 10-year, $325 million contract before the 2022 season, he has become the centerpiece of the Rangers’ offense, helping lead the franchise to its first World Series championship in 2023 while earning his second career World Series MVP award.
AdvertisementAdvertisementInjuries, however, have continued to interrupt Seager’s availability in 2026. He has already missed time this season while recovering from a concussion and previously dealt with back issues that landed him on the injured list before returning to the lineup late last week. Those setbacks came after his 2025 season ended prematurely when he underwent an appendectomy in late August, with the Rangers ultimately missing the playoffs.
The club will hope Tuesday’s lineup change proves to be precautionary rather than the start of another lengthy absence for one of its most important players.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dodgers' Dave Roberts Tweaked Dalton Rushing's Swing Leading to Instant Results
Dodgers' Dave Roberts Tweaked Dalton Rushing's Swing Leading to Instant Results
The young catcher finally broke through.Patrick Warren|
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Los Angeles DodgersA frustrating trend came to a gracious end for Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing on Saturday, whose home run against the San Diego Padres broke a five-game hitless streak.
The performance at the plate came at a good time, as his play behind the plate has drawn criticism, particularly for his miscommunications with pitcher Shohei Ohtani last Wednesday.
As Rushing continues to take over starting duties for injured catcher Will Smith, he told SportsNet LA that the home run signified an increase in confidence.
"I think we're starting to find our way, that small tweak, find our way back to comfort and in this game, Rushing said. "Comfort is really all you can ask for."
"From top to bottom, we all felt pretty comfortable."
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 28, 2026
Dalton Rushing discusses the confidence he gained from last night's homer, what Doc saw mechanically with his swing, and building rapport with the pitching staff. pic.twitter.com/YWmpA4NMnO
Rushing's day started with a walk and a groundout to second base before he was approached by manager Dave Roberts. To Rushing's surprise, the manager was holding an iPad.
Roberts took a look at the young catcher's swing, and offered a mechanical tweak. Then, Rushing hit a 399-foot home run.
"Doc comes up yesterday and it was something he sees. He saw something mechanically in my swing and pointed it out to me," Rushing said. "And a lot of guys are just like, 'He's not a hitting coach,' and it's just like he's watched a lot of baseball in his life. So, he came up, pointed it out to me and sure enough, the next at-bat [the home run] happens and I'm like, 'Are you a hitting coach, Doc?'"
DALTON. RUSHING. HOME RUN!!!
— DodgersMuse (@LADodgersMuse) June 28, 2026
DODGERS LEAD 6-1. pic.twitter.com/gaRza09kmc
Rushing, who had just two hits in his last 20 at-bats prior to Saturday, wasn't the only Dodger who had a much-needed strong performance at the plate. Kyle Tucker, who has struggled to live up to his four-year, $240 million contract signed over the offseason, went 3-for-5 and hit a home run just before Rushing.
"We love seeing him do that. We know he's capable of it, we know he's done it for however many years," Rushing said. "So, for him to have a day like he did yesterday, it's a huge step forward and we're all obviously excited for Tuck to be Tuck.
"And yeah, to follow him up like that, it gives you some confidence for sure. It was a good day yesterday, we felt pretty comfortable, I think, top to bottom."
Both Tucker and Rushing have seen their success trickle into the next few games. Tucker has gone 6-for-17 (.353) in his last four games and Rushing, who rested Sunday, is 3-for-9 with a pair of RBIs over the last two games.
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Published 43 minutes ago
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PATRICK WARRENPatrick Warren is a graduate of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and has experience covering the Dodgers, Padres, Angels, Lakers and USC Trojans. Additionally, he spent time working as a staff writer for the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns. Patrick hails from Chattanooga, TN and now lives in Santa Monica.
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AI Adoption Rate Across Corporate America Accelerates
PremiumAI Adoption Rate Across Corporate America Accelerates
In its latest analysis of AI adoption, available to pro subscribers, Goldman analysts write that AI adoption in corporate America currently stands around 20.6%, with the rate expected to jump to about 24% over the next six months.
The surge in the AI adoption rate comes as white-collar job losses are already appearing in US labor market data, particularly in information and financial jobs, where exposure to automation is highest, according to Bloomberg.
Instant Grade: Magic Get Creative With Jonathan Isaac Signing
Instant Grade: Magic Get Creative With Jonathan Isaac Signing
Jonathan Isaac is back with the Orlando Magic just days after being waived by the only franchise he's ever played for.Jeremy Brener|
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Orlando MagicOrlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac is going through the revolving door after being waived by the team earlier in the week and coming back just a few days later.
Orlando Sentinel reporter Jason Beede was the first to report the news.
"Breaking News: The #Magic are signing Jonathan Isaac to a one-year deal, a league source tells the @orlandosentinel," Beede tweeted.
Breaking News: The #Magic are signing Jonathan Isaac to a one-year deal, a league source tells the @orlandosentinel.
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) July 1, 2026
Jonathan Isaac Returns to Magic on Discount
The Magic wanted Isaac back in the fold, but not at the $14.5 million price tag he was owed on his contract. Cutting him saved Orlando $8 million, but some of that will be used to likely sign a new minimum contract.
Therefore, the Magic keep Isaac as a reliable backup power forward and defensive-minded big man, but at a price that aligns more with how much he's expected to play. Isaac isn't going to play much for the Magic and he likely won't be in Sean Sweeney's 10-man rotation, but he can step up and slide in whenever he's needed.
This is a smart move from president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and the rest of the front office, keeping a familiar face in Isaac while getting him on a discount. Waiving him is a sign that the Magic may have regretted giving him the long-term deal to begin with, but Orlando doesn't like to think too far ahead in terms of these contracts.
The Magic gave themselves several chances to opt out of the Isaac deal, but their loyalty to him is part of why Orlando is willing to give him another deal on a smaller price tag. The Magic were right to move on from their original deal with Isaac because he wasn't playing enough or have the same impact to warrant the contract he once had.
The Magic could have signed another player with this contract, but these roles should be given out to veterans who can build the team more off of the court than on it. Isaac is a good locker room guy to have, especially at this minimum salary.
It's a good move for both sides as the Magic save some money and give themselves flexibility for the future while Isaac gets to remain with the only franchise he's ever played for and he gets to keep his family in the City Beautiful for another year.
Orlando now has 14 roster spots filled with the 15th possibly going to rookie second-round pick Izaiyah Nelson.
Published 28 minutes ago
JEREMY BRENERJeremy Brener is an editor and writer for Orlando Magic On SI. He has been a credentialed member of the media for the Orlando Magic since 2022. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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3 Free Agents Knicks Must Now Target to Replace Mitchell Robinson
3 Free Agents Knicks Must Now Target to Replace Mitchell Robinson
Kento Kato|
In this story:
New York KnicksWith James Dolan's mandate to stay below the second apron, Mitchell Robinson's departure was expected, if not a foregone conclusion. That doesn't make it any easier for Knicks fans to contextualize having to say goodbye a fan favorite who was also the longest-tenured Knick.
The front office doesn't have time to dwell, though. With both Robinson and third-string center Ariel Hukporti gone, Karl-Anthony Towns becomes the only center on the roster. So who are the most realistic free agent targets to replace Robinson?
1. Kevon Looney
I wrote about Kevon Looney as a likely option just a few days ago, and still think that he's a very likely option. Looney isn't the explosive athlete or lob threat that Robinson is. But he's still a solid backup center.
The former Warrior played in just 21 games as a Pelican last season, though he's been much more healthy than Robinson in the years prior. He also logged a 62.5% contested offensive rebounding percentage while averaging 5.6 offensive rebounds and 1.2 blockers per 36 minutes this past campaign.
All those numbers are below Robinson's. But what Looney gives up in those areas, he makes up for with his passing.
The veteran big man isn't a primary playmaker, though he is a better connective passer than Robinson ever was or will be. Looney averaged an impressive four assists per 36 minutes in two of his last three seasons. His added passing could be a weapon off the bench for for Mike Brown, who was an assistant coach of Looney's in Golden State.
With the Pelicans looking to shed salary and stay young, it's unlikely they bring Looney back. If the Knicks want him, they can likely convince him to take a minimum to compete for a ring and play for his former assistant coach. That being said, New York could be concerned about his mobility and health, so he's not the only guy they should bring in.
2. Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond will now likely be available with Philadelphia having signed Hukporti Wednesday morning.
Drummond is a flawed player, who can leave fanbases pulling their hair out and scratching their heads. As Knicks fans saw this past postseason, his defense, especially when asked to switch or play drop coverage, can be abysmal. But he does one thing incredibly well. And it happens to be the thing they'll miss the most from Robinson.
Even as he ages, Drummond remains an elite offensive rebounder. In fact, he's still one of the best in the league. He had a 72% contested offensive rebounding percentage, which was just slightly lower than Robinson's. And he was third in the league in offensive rebounds per 36 minutes.
Robinson is the better offensive rebounder at this point in their careers, and he's a significantly better defender overall as well. But if the Knicks want to continue having offensive rebounding be an important part of what they do, Drummond may be their best option.
3. Nick Richards
Nick Richards has some offensive skills and a softer touch than many of the remaining free agent centers. So there is some offensive upside there. But that's about it.
He is not a great defender, struggles with making quick decisions, and doesn't make connective plays often. Richards also lacks physicality—something the Knicks have prided themselves on over the last few seasons.
But, the Knicks have reportedly been interested in him for a while now. With their options quickly thinning, they may take a flyer on the former first-round pick and hope that he can develop into a tougher rebounder and a more willing defender.
Given Brown's work in helping Towns become a true menace, there's a chance he could have similar success with Richards, especially given the latter would receive plenty of attention as the main backup. Playing in a championship environment surrounded by leaders like Towns and Jalen Brunson could also see Richards embrace the challenge and improve on the defensive end.
Published 35 minutes ago
KENTO KATO
